South Australia’s class of 2024 earned a ‘pass’ at schoolies after Operation Schoolies returned a relatively small number of offences in the Victor Harbor region last weekend.
South Australia Police conducted Operation Schoolies to focus on community, road and school leaver safety in the region between Friday 22 and Sunday 24 November 2024.
Police arrested six school leavers for offences including disorderly behaviour, loitering and breach of bail. Three non-school leavers were also arrested for offences including loitering, disorderly behaviour and returning to licenced premises after being ejected.
There were 58 school leavers and one non-school leaver expiated for drinking in dry zones. Police detected seven school leavers for drug related offences.
During the operation period, police made 58 road safety offence detections between Goolwa and Victor Harbor, with 7 offence detections made by drivers aged between 17 and 18.
Operation Commander Superintendent Joanne Howard said she was generally satisfied with the behaviour of most school leavers.
“Our major concern was that people may behave in a way that might cause serious injury or a loss of life at schoolies,” said Superintendent Howard.
“It is pleasing this year’s school leavers have had a great time and returned home safely, ready to start the next chapter of their lives.
“Police conducted numerous traffic-related operations around schoolies to maintain safe road use.
“We would like to thank the Victor Harbor community for their positive engagement with school leavers and acknowledge Encounter Youth’s Green Team volunteers’ amazing contribution to this event.”
